Weapons

I knew this day would come. 

Jackson has discovered guns. 

Sort of.

I totally get the whole good-guy/bad-guy, super hero, ninja, rough and tumble imaginary play that often accompanies having boys - heck girls too for that matter.  And while Jackson does have a few foam swords in his toy box, when it comes to weapons I draw the line at guns.  I can't say why exactly, it just doesn't feel right.  I figure he'll stumble upon guns, and all sorts of forms of violence for that matter, on his own soon enough - there's no need for us to make that introduction.  He doesn't even have a water gun.  Although, I'll admit that is mostly due to the fact that I know who would end up on the receiving end of that super soaker!

Anyway, last night we were playing with legos.  Jack built something that I thought looked vaguely like a gun, so I dug deeper.

"Hey, what are you building, buddy?"

"A gum."

"A what?"

"A gum."

"Oh.  Well, what do you do with a gum?"

"You shoot bad guys."

He then proceeded to make the "pow pow" noises.  (Side note:  why are boys so much better at making those types of sound effects?  Or is it just me?)

So yeah.  Gum = Gun.  And despite having the word wrong, he totally knows what they're for.

I didn't correct him.  Or give it any special attention at all actually - since that would most certainly just increase his fascination.  And while I still have no intention of purchasing an actual toy gun of any sort, or even encouraging "shoot the bad guy" type play, that cat is officially out of the bag.

I blame school.

Snow

This morning we woke up to the first measurable snow of the year (on Feb. 13, crazy huh!)  It's not much, maybe 2 inches, so no sledding or massive snow men in our future.  But Jackson was excited none the less.  He talked about the snow all the way to school this morning.

He asked if we could throw snow balls after school.  (Sure!)

He talked about the importance of wearing gloves or mittens when there is snow outside.  "You have to keep your hands warm, Mom."  (That's true.)

He told me that I was driving too fast. "The snow makes the roads slippery you know, Mom."  (Don't worry, I'm being very careful Jackson.)

But my favorite exchange went like this:

Jack:  "Mom, we don't pee in the snow."
Me:  "No, we don't pee in the snow.  That would be naughty."
Jack:  "Yeah.  that would be bad.  We just pee in the rocks."

I was so busy trying to suppress my laughter I didn't even bother to correct him. 

Where does he come up with this stuff?

Pink-Eyed Boy

It's never a good sign when Princeton comes up on my caller ID during the day.  School doesn't call just to tell you that your kid is being especially good today.  Or even the opposite, like maybe he was serving his 4th time-out by noon.  Nope.  School calls mean two things:  sick or injured.  And I'd be lying if I said my heart didn't race a little every time they call.

Yesterday's call came at 2:55 pm.

"Hi Heidi, it's Caitlyn at Princeton.  Jackson is showing signs of pink eye.  He's been complaining that his eye hurts and hasn't gotten off his mat since nap time.  I think someone should come and get him."

Whew.  Just pink eye.

So I packed up my laptop, headed to school and called Drew on the way.  We agreed that since it was likely pink eye, which requires prescription eye drops, a quick trip to the pediatrician was in order.  If I hurried, I'd make it to Kansas City by the time the walk-in hours ended at 5:00 pm and Jack wouldn't have to wait until the morning for some relief.

It's a bit inconvenient that our pediatrician is about 45 minutes away, but we love Pediatric Partners so much it is totally worth it.  Yesterday was no exception.  Even without an appointment we waited less than 5 minutes.  Pink eye was diagnosed almost immediately and along with the prescription we got a coupon making it FREE.  We were out of there in under 20 minutes.

Jack & I decided a special treat was in order and picked up our absolute favorite Imo's Pizza on the way home, which happens to be too conveniently close to the doctor's office to pass up.

Aside from the slight debacle at Walgreen's when it came time to pick up the eye drops, the entire process was quite painless.  (Walgreen's, by the way, sucks.  I've complained for the last time.  We're switching to CVS!)

As for Jackson, he feels totally fine.  He was a real trooper when it came to the eye drops and tolerates them even better than I would.  Drew demonstrated on himself with his own prescription first and since everything Drew does is cool in Jack's eyes, he didn't hesitate when his turn came.  "Just like you, Dad!" 

Of course, his eye was matted shut and totally nasty this morning but Jack doesn't seem a bit phased by it.   In fact, we joked that he is probably going to think pink eye is pretty cool.  After all, he got to stay home from school (24-hours of antibiotics before going back since it's so contagious) and spend the entire day with Daddy.

Yeah.  A pink-eyed boy, but definitely not a sad or sick little boy.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go itch my eyes.

Proud Mama

Every Fall my company participates in the United Way campaign.  One of the fundraising efforts, that has been an annual tradition as long as I can remember, is a pancake feed for all employees.  Staff members donate the supplies (griddles, pancake mix, juice, fruit, etc.) and even volunteer to do the cooking.  For $5 you get to take a break from your desk, put away as many pancakes as you can stomach and all proceeds go to a good cause.  Not a bad deal!

This year, I decided to bring Jack. 

He is a MAJOR pancake fan.  I knew he would love it.  I also knew the United Way committee wouldn't turn down another paying customer.  So this morning, he came to work with me for a quick breakfast before heading on to school.

Jack is a really good kid.  Of course, he has his moments.  But for the most part, he knows when circumstance require good behavior.  I attribute a lot of that to the amount of time we spend at the Country Club - where being a good listener and exhibiting manners and etiquette are a must.  I am never nervous about taking him to restaurants, stores or public places because he has never given me reason to be.  (I should retract that last sentence as I probably just put a serious hex on myself!) 

Today was no different.  He was so excited to be coming to "Mommy's office" this morning.  He spoke to my co-workers when they asked him questions.  He took off his hat when he sat down - because there are "no hats at the table, Mommy".  He ate quietly and didn't leave a messy trail behind him.  He politely thanked chef Eric when we were all done. 

He was a really good boy.

And I was a really proud mama!

Dance Like No One Is Watching

Considering he's not yet three, Jackson has some pretty strong opinions about music.  He is obsessed with guitars.  He doesn't hesitate to tell us to change the radio station when the song doesn't suit him.  He prefers country.  Particularly the Zac Brown Band, who he can identify within the first few bars of any one of their songs.

So on a whim one lazy Saturday afternoon a few weekends ago, Jackson & I decided to take in the Kansas State Fiddlers & Pickers competition at South Park.  Drew was fighting a fever and a flu bug so the two of us were looking to get out of the house and this seemed like it would be right up Jack's alley. 

What a hit!

In no time at all he was clapping his hands to the beat.

And before I knew it he was dancing away.

We'll definitely go again next year.  And I'll be much more prepared with lawn chairs, snacks and cash for the food vendors.

Maybe I'll even throw caution to the wind and dance right along with him!

Open a Book, Open a Mind

I'm embarrassed to say that until last weekend, Jackson had never been to the library.

That's not to say we aren't into books at our house.  Quite the opposite in fact.  We read together every single day and must have over a hundred children's books at home.  In fact, here we are at Borders Bookstore when Jack was just a few months old. (Oh my gosh, where has the time gone?!)

I guess we just got into the habit of buying books instead of borrowing them.

Last weekend, Drew was in Junction City helping his parents with a project so Jackson & I had the day to ourselves.  It was the perfect opportunity to introduce him to the Lawrence Public Library. 

We started the day with a little treat at Dunkin' Donuts.

He's a fan of sprinkles.

Then we were off to the library.  It was wonderful!  Jack was in awe of the endless shelves of books in the Children's Room.  We spent over an hour there - which in toddler time is an eternity!

He sat quietly and looked at books.

He played at the Lego table.

He read at the Lego table.

Then we chose 5 books to bring home.

We've had so much fun reading his library books before bed all week.  In fact, a couple of them became fast favorites.  Hopefully it won't be too traumatic when we return them this weekend.

Luckily, the great thing about the library is, there are plenty more where those came from!

Poop, Penis & Underpants

How's that for an attention grabbing title!

We've had a few milestone noteworthy hilarious incidents with our little guy the last few days.  Incidents worthy of documenting for the record book.

Enjoy.

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The whole potty training thing has been a rather slow process with Jack.  He's been peeing in the potty for months - when we prompt him.  Rarely though does he initiate needing to go so we're still in pull-ups and he still wets them.  He had yet to poop in the potty.  Until this weekend.

I happened to catch him in the act and swooped him off to the bathroom where we made it just in time.  Drew was home as well and we made a huge hoop and hollering deal about it.  Woo Hoo!  You pooped in the potty!  High five!  What a big boy!  Yay poop!  (Ahhh parenting.  You find yourself doing ridiculous things at times, don't you?)  At any rate, Jack was very proud of himself.

The next day a similar scene played out, only this time Drew wasn't home.  While still sitting on the potty and reveling in his accomplishment, Jackson looked up at me with wide eyes and practically shouted, "CALL DAD!  HE'S GOING TO BE SOOOO HAPPY!"

And what parent wouldn't be?

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A couple of nights ago Jackson was taking a bath.  He doesn't need nearly as much assistance in the tub now; so, while I stay in the room with him, I'm usually fiddling with my iphone multi-tasking. 

On this particular occasion, I heard him say, "Mom, my penis hurts."

I looked up to find that it was, shall we say, standing at attention. 

Drew was just around the corner, so I flagged him down and he arrived in the bathroom just in time to hear Jackson say, "Look!  It popped out!"

Drew's reply?  "Yeah, don't worry buddy, that happens sometimes."

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On Monday, Jackson moved up to the Two's #2 room.  As expected, he had a total meltdown at drop off and cried for "his class".  I was anxious to pick him up that afternoon and see how the day went.  Turns out he had a fabulous day (and has every day since).  In fact, instead of his usual routine of running to me for a big bear hug upon my arrival, Jackson took his time walking over and greeted me with, "Mom, we need to bring in some underwear."

Hi Jack, nice to see you too.

At any rate, 2 of the boys in his new classroom are potty trained and wear underpants.  Jack was quite curious about it and was eager to wear underpants too.  Even though he's not quite there yet, his teacher & I thought it would be a good idea to capitalize on this new curiosity.  Maybe in this case a little peer pressure will be just what he needs to get over the potty training hump.

So we made special plans to hit Target after school yesterday and pick out underpants.

I expected the super hero undies, but little did I know the boys underwear aisle is like an explosion of cartoon characters from past and present.  Star Wars, Superman, Batman, Thomas the Train, Cars, Spongebob, Finneas & Ferb, Toy Story - you name it, they have it.  Jack must have changed his mind 15 times.  Believe it or not, in the end he liked the plain old Fruit of the Looms best - because there were camouflage undies in the pack.  Unfortunately, they didn't come small enough so we came home with this set instead:

If it's possible for underwear to be adorable, these are absolutely adorable!

We haven't tried them yet, but this morning he woke up at 5:00 am very upset because his pull up leaked and his jammies were wet.  I thought it was a good sign that he was uncomfortable with the sensation of wet pants.  Here's to hoping the transition to underwear is an easy one!

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And that concludes today's storytelling.  I'll try to keep it PG around here.  No more poop and penis stories I hope.  At least for a little while.

Independence

We have entered the "I do it myself" phase.

Putting on pull-ups
Getting dressed
Putting on shoes
Climbing into the car seat
Getting a glass of water
Rinsing dishes
Washing hands
Soaping up in the tub
Playing songs on the iPod
Starting/Stopping a movie
Feeding Ruby

You name it, he wants to do it.  Himself.

Which means we move a lot slower and clean up a lot more messes these days.

But how can I resist a face like this as he declares, "I can do it myself, Mommy"?

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In other behavioral news, the last few days have been much better since Jack's inaugural visit to the Principal's Office this week.  Still a few naughty moments, but nothing like the terror he unleashed on Monday.  Tuesday, we bribed him with a trip to the golf course in exchange for good behavior.  It worked.  Never mind toys or treats.  This kid's weakness is the Country Club.  There is nothing he loves to do more than hit balls and ride in the golf cart. 

On Monday he will move up from the Two's classroom to the Two and a Half's classroom.  If he's true to form, I expect a few rough days at first, but he is definitely ready (whether he knows it or not) for the change. 

Wish us luck!

The Principal's Office

While I'm fully aware that I was by no means a perfect child/tween/teenager, I was never a troublemaker.  Probably the furthest thing from it, in fact.  Never once did I receive a detention.  Never once was I sent to the Principal's office.  Like, ever.

So imagine my surprise when I found out that my two-year old was sent to the "office" at school yesterday.

I blame his father.  I understand he had a season pass to the Principal's office in his day.

Jackson was, apparently, a holy terror yesterday.  Leaving his teacher utterly helpless with no other defense then to kick him out of class for awhile.

He was hitting and kicking and climbing.  All terribly naughty behavior, but also not completely unexpected.  He is 2 after all and spends 8-9 hours a day with 7 other two year olds who hit, kick and climb.  What was most shocking were the reports of his defiance.  The little bugger knew perfectly well he was being naughty, chose to do it anyway, then punished himself...therefore taking all power and authority away from his teacher.

When told to stop climbing on a table, he proceeded to a bookshelf and declared, "Then I'll climb on this one.  Because I can."

When asked if he was ready to play nice he replied, "No.  I'll stay on the wall."  (The wall is where the kids serve time-out.)

When asked if he wanted to go back to the office he said, "Yes.  I want to go talk to Michelle."  (Michelle is the Director of the center.)

Poor Gina didn't know what to do.

Fortunately, so far it is a pretty isolated occurrence. Gina assured me that most of the time he is one of the best listeners and helpers in the class.  Maybe he was just tired - he's still making multiple appearances in our room throughout the night lately.  Maybe he was having a bad day.  The staff think maybe he is bored -  he's currently the oldest in his class and is due to move up a level as soon as the next "shift" occurs.  Perhaps that needs to happen sooner rather than later.  Who knows. 

None of us are overly concerned at this point.  But of course we will keep the lines of communication open with his teachers and continue our "teaching moments" at home about proper behavior. 

Oh yeah, and I'll keep blaming his father.

So there you have it.  Keepin' it real on The Elser 411.

The Trying Twos

Whew...what a morning.

Actually, it started last evening.  Turns out Jack had a rough day at school.  Whiny, lots of tears, complaints about all the loud noises and tugging on his ears.  When I got there just before 5:00 his teacher said he had just registered a temp of 101.9.  Crap.  Ear infection.

Yet, to my touch, he felt cool as a cucumber.  I took his temp as soon as we got home and it barely registered 98 degrees.  He acted perfectly normal all evening and slept straight through the night.  He certainly didn't act sick.

I have to admit I was annoyed.  This is the second time in just a few weeks that Jack has come home with reports of a fever.  School policy requires children to be fever free for 24 hours before returning to the classroom.  First, let me make it clear that I am a huge supporter of this policy.  I have no problem with keeping Jackson at home when he is sick or on the mend and I expect other parents to do the same.  The key being, when they are sick.  But since this was the second occurrence of a mystery fever that disappeared at home with no other symptoms of illness I was beginning to doubt the effectiveness of the thermometer they use in his classroom.

Drew & I went back and forth about what to do.  Both of our intuitions told us he was not sick.  A doctor visit seemed completely unnecessary.  Yet, we didn't want to discount the reports from school.  We also considered that perhaps his lack of sleep lately could be related to fighting off an ear infection as opposed to just being a phase as we originally thought.  What tipped the scale was the fact that our family vacation is just around the corner.  We're going to be gone for several days and if there was any chance that an ear infection was firing up, I wanted to nip it in the bud now before we're away from home.

After sleeping on it, Drew & I woke up with the exact same conclusion.  Take him to the doctor.  If all checks out fine (which we knew it would) get a note from the doctor (good call on requesting the note, Drew) and then take the kid to school.

That's exactly what happened.

Jackson woke up, after sleeping the first full night in his own bed in weeks, perfectly happy.  He couldn't have been better behaved at the doctor office.  (Which, by the way, was our first visit to their new location.  Such an awesome practice.  It's now about 40 minutes away instead of 25, but totally worth it to me.)  We had a lovely morning, he got a clean bill of health, we requested the all clear note and went on our merry way.

The closer I got to Lawrence, the more aggravated I was getting with his school.  Twice now he was sent home with a temperature when he didn't have a temperature.  This time resulting in 1 1/2 hours of drive time, a $25 doctor copay and 3 hours off work.  When I knew he was fine.  I called school, explained that he would not be staying home today, despite the 24 hour post-fever policy, and that I was armed with a doctor's note to prove it.  I wasn't very nice.

I realize now that sounds a little selfish, but in the moment I was pissed.

I backed off a bit when I dropped Jack off at school.  I'm not so good at the whole conflict thing.  I tend to prefer peace.  Particularly when it involves the people who care for my child 9 hours a day. 

After discussing it with the Director for a few minutes, we both agreed that his 2 year molars could be a likely culprit.  According to her, spiking but inconsistent temperatures are pretty normal with teething kids (though not a symptom Jack has experienced).  The doctor also indicated that there was some slight swelling where his final molars would eventually pop through.  So...whatever.

We proceeded to the classroom, Jackson requested a trip to the potty and I filled in his teachers. 

Then, despite a perfectly smooth morning, the meltdown occurred.

Seemingly out of nowhere he turned on the tears and absolutely freaked out at the prospect of me leaving.  His teachers did all the right things but he was inconsolable.  Much like yesterday, which is what led them to believe he wasn't feeling well. Suddenly, I felt really horrible for doubting them (and their thermometer).

I; however, recognized the cries.  These were not something is wrong cries.  These were manufactured cries.  Cries that mean he is seeking attention, pouting about something or simply being ornery.

I stayed at school for over 15 minutes trying to make things easier on Jack, his teachers and myself to no avail.  When I finally left he was still crying.  I felt terrible.  Terrible for his teachers who were left to deal with the tantrum (and whatever the rest of the day brings).  Terrible for Jack who was so clearly distraught and breaking my heart.  Terrible for being irritated with him for acting out like that.  Mostly, terrible for walking away.

Apparently, Jack has entered some sort of mommy's boy phase in the last 48 hours that is so not cool.  I can only hope that out of sight = out of mind and he settled down into a somewhat normal routine the rest of today.

I'm certain that he's not sick.  I'm certain that he's safe.  So that's the bright side.  But lord help me if this "phase" doesn't correct itself soon.  To date, Jackson's twos have not been terrible at all.  But on days like today, they are awfully trying!

Chime in fellow parents.  Did your kids ever have random spiking fevers that disappeared as quickly as they came while teething?  Were the 2 year molars a beast to cut through?  Was I wrong to be angry with the school about the whole temperature thing?  Is the clingy phase a pretty normal one at this age?  Fire away!

Rainy Day Pajama Party

It's pajama party day at school today! 

Jackson was very excited to pick out his "emergency vehicle" jammies last night.  And even more excited that he got to keep them on this morning.  He was trying his usual stall techniques while putting on a clean pull-up this morning and Drew suggested that he hurry up and get dressed.  Jack was quick to correct him with, "No dressed today, Daddy.  It's jammie day!"

It also happens to be raining this morning.  Which is where things get interesting.

On most rainy days, Jack wants to wear his fireman rain boots.  Today was no exception.  We decided to go with the flow and let him wear the boots with his PJ's.  What's the harm, right?

Then he insisted on wearing his (slightly too small) camouflage hat to complete the ensemble.

The child looks ridiculous!

Jackson; however, absolutely loves it.  After requesting a glimpse of the photo above (I snapped it on my phone on the way out the door) he declared, "Looks good!  Send that to Nana!"

And so I did.

Busy, Busy, Busy

Lately, even on the days that aren't as busy, we're so busy catching up from being busy that we're actually busy anyway.  How's that for busy?

I can't believe it's the middle of June already.  In the last month, I traveled to Iowa with Jack then San Diego on business.  As a family, we celebrated the high school graduation of a dear friend, had a visit from Gram, went strawberry picking, did some furniture rearranging and enjoyed a BBQ with friends.  As of today, I'm on the other side of a huge meeting at work that I've spent the past few weeks preparing for (it went well, yay!) .  There were also doctor visits, vet appointments, hair cuts, swim days, pajama parties, tee times and a girl's night out to remember.  Somehow, amongst all of this, we managed to stay fed (while not always the most nutritiously), keep the flowers, herbs and tomatoes watered (they're flourishing!), clothes washed (thanks Drew), bills paid, dog alive and house clean livable.  Oh, and Father's Day is this weekend.

Whew.

Funny Jack story for you.

This morning, on the way to school/work, I was thinking about a million different things and completely missed our usual turn. Several blocks later, Jack piped up from the backseat, "Mommy? Where are you taking me?"

I'm not sure if he was more concerned about where we were headed or the fact that I completely spaced off the turn!

So yeah, we've been busy.  How about you?

And The Thunder Rolls

It's storm season in Kansas.  While we've been extremely fortunate to avoid all of the catastrophic storms that have wreaked havoc on our neighboring states (knock on wood), we have had our fair share of thunderstorms.  Again, nothing dangerous or destructive.  Just some ominous skies, heavy rain and loud, booming thunder.  The problem? 

Jackson has developed a fear of thunder.  In fact, he's terrified of it.

Any time the weather channel is on (which is quite often considering our head of household runs a landscaping company) he pummels us with questions about storms coming, whether it will rain or if it will just be sprinkles and if he should expect thunder anytime soon.

If there's a faint roll of thunder in the distance, he will freeze in his tracks and whisper, "what's that noise?"  If it's a full on shake the house clap of thunder, he will turn white as a sheet and run with open arms to the nearest parental unit, bottom lip quivering.  Or, seemingly most often, he'll stumble into our bedroom in the dark, wee hours of the morning with tears in his eyes and declare, "I scared of thunder, I want Daddy!"  Which is most often followed by, "I sleep in YOUR bed".

And so he does.

I keep telling myself that one day (probably sooner than I'd like), I'll long for the days when he would climb into bed seeking comfort and safety all cuddled up between Drew & I.  If only he weren't such a wiggly, squirmy, kicky, sweaty sleeper.

Hopefully it's either a short lived phase he's in or a short lived storm season. 

Either way...we'll roll with it.

A Mother's Day

He's been sneaking into our bed around 5 am lately.  As much as I've vowed not to let that become a regular occurrence, in my grogginess I let him.

At 6:30 I could hear their whispers.  "Do you remember what we need to do this morning?"  Silence.  "Umm..."  More Silence.  Then he remembered.  "Cards for Mommy!"

The lights came on and he was handing me an envelope.  Unable to contain his excitement he repeated, "Open It, Open It" as he tore the envelope open himself.

Mickey Mouse was on the card.  His favorite.  And when I opened it up Mickey burst into song.  The look on his face was priceless.  Eyes wide open, jaw dropped, a grin big enough to show his dimples.  As if the singing card was the most amazing thing he had ever seen.

He pointed at the scribbles on the page and said, "I drawed that fer you".

"I LOVE IT!"  I declared.

He leaned in so close I could smell his morning breath, threw his arms around my neck and said in my ear, "Happy Mudders Day, Mommy."

Oh, baby.  Happy doesn't even scratch the surface.

Laugh Out Loud

I just found myself sitting in my office, by myself, on a beautiful Friday afternoon laughing out loud as thoughts of Jackson popped into my head.

While riding in a shopping cart through Target recently:
Jack:  "My have a penis."
Me:  "Yes, Jack, you have a penis."
Jack:  "Daddy have a penis, too."
Me:  "Yes, Daddy has a penis, too."
Jack:  "Mommy no penis."
Me:  "You're right.  Mommy doesn't have a penis."
And that was the end of that conversation.

For the second time in about a month:
Jack: "My need haircut."  "Mommy call Roxanne?"
And so I did.

After school one day last week, Jack spotted a package in the backseat from The Children's Place.  I told him that I got him some new shirts for summer.  Upon examining one of the polos Jack replied, "Oh!  That's nice!"

While snuggling in bed one morning Jack leaned his face a mere inches from mine and said: "Mom.  Look at my eyebrows."  He then proceeded to raise and lower his eyebrows in a variety of contortions.

Or there was the night earlier this week when he discovered he could un-snap the crotch of his bibbers.  He then thrust his hips forward so his diaper peeked out and walked across the room saying "Look at my pants!  Look at my pants!"

While I admit many of these stories are "you had to be there" moments, they will get a chuckle out of me every single time a fleeting memory passes through my mind. 

Oh how that boy makes me laugh!

A Day in the Life

Now that spring has finally arrived, Jackson & I head straight outside when we get home from work/school.  We spend 30 minutes or so playing while we wait for Drew to get home.  Then, the boys keep at it while I get dinner ready.

One night this week I grabbed my camera.  I'm so glad I did.

No staged activities.  No posing.  No artistic editing. 

Kickball

Golfing

The little bugger can get a hold of it!

Little feet

Spotting an airplane

Sweet and patient Ruby.  Always close by.

Just a typical day in the life. 

And it's a good great life!



In Jackson's Words

I've been terrible about documenting Jackson's developmental strides and ornery antics lately - most of which involve language.  The kid is talking up a storm and has Drew & I laughing hysterically daily.  Here are a few recent conversations that come to mind - and seemed worthy of a place in the record books.

While driving his Mickey Mouse power wheels around the basement.
Jack:  I'm going to the car wash.
Heidi:  OK.  Have fun.
Jack: *looking over shoulder at parents* Behave!
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After finishing a drink from Sonic and heading into the grocery store.
Jack:  Daddy all done?
Drew:  Yep, I'm all done. 
Jack:  Daddy throw in trash?
Drew:  I'll just throw it back here for now, buddy.  *tosses cup in bed of truck*
Jack:  *sarcastically* Nice, Drew.
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While driving to school.
Jack:  I like this song.  Turn it up LOUD!
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While driving to see cousin Attia.
Jack:  Where we going?
Heidi:  We're going to Uncle Austin's house to drop off some food and visit baby Attia.
Jack:  Oh.  See baby Attia?
Heidi:  Yep.
*2 minutes later*
Jack:  Mommy, where we going?
Heidi:  We're going to see baby Attia, remember?
Jack:  Oh.  That's right!
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On any given day after scool.
Heidi:  How was your day, Jack?
Jack:  Mmmm....had a good day!
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Out of the blue one afternoon.
Jack:  My need haircut.  Mommy call Roxanne?
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While driving his Mickey Mouse power wheels around the basement (again) after Nana & Papa's visit.
Jack:  See ya!
Heidi:  Where you going?
Jack:  I'm driving to Colorado.

Oh how I love conversations with a 2-year old!

Big Kid Bed

We finally took the plunge.

Goodbye crib.

Hello toddler bed.

And wouldn't you know, one of my fears about having a young child who can now get up and move about the house at his own free will came true after the very first night.  Jackson totally walked in on us doing the deed.

Before you judge, we heard him coming.  We were fully covered.  He had absolutely no idea.  No permanent damage was done (to Jack anyway).  *Gulp*

Note to self:  Just because he goes to bed almost 2 hours late does not mean Jack will sleep in the next morning.

Aside from that little episode, it's going pretty well.  So far, we're not able to leave the room until he's asleep - which isn't such a big deal at bedtime, but it does make nap time more time consuming.  Honestly though, even in the crib Jack would rarely put himself to sleep so the routine isn't all that different.

He loves his "big kid" bed.  And I'll admit, hearing the creek of his door, the pitter patter of feet, and his little voice say "Hi Mommy" in the morning is awfully cute.

Unless you're doing the deed.

Bathtime Fun

Here is a little peek at one of Jackson's favorite activities these days.  He loves making faces with this toy by ALEX Toys (courtesy of Aunt Abby I believe).

 Who knew bathtime could be so fun?

A Day in the Life

Pardon the interruption of this trip down Christmas memory lane as I share with you my morning.

It's 7:33 am.  Jackson & I are heading to school/work.  Drew had already warned me that one of the neighbor boys parked his car right behind the driveway so I was backing out more cautiously than usual.  Upon looking over my shoulder to avoid a collision with a parked car, Jackson caught my glance and said to me, "Mommy pretty".  I beamed.  It was perhaps the sweetest compliment I've ever received.  I thanked him, told him how nice that was and then called Drew to share my joy.  Perhaps this Monday morning wasn't going to be so bad!

It's 7:53 am.  We've arrived at Princeton and it's a big day.  Day one in Jackson's new classroom.  He has officially moved up from Toddler II to the Two's.  We talked about joining the "big kids" today and that he is two now so he gets to be with the other two-year-olds (most of whom he already knows and has played with back when they were in the toddler room).  I had high hopes for an easy transition.  I should have known better. 

Poor Jackson knew something was up the minute we passed by his old classroom.  He instantly clung to my leg and cried for "my room".  Despite knowing (and loving) the teacher in the Two's room he wanted nothing to do with her this morning.  He kept saying "no big kids" and "my class" (referring to the toddlers, of course).  The cries of "Mommy, don't go" were nearly enough for me to sweep him up and drive back home.  With that not being an option, we forged through and said our goodbyes.  I imagine he recovered quickly, it's not like it's a totally new environment (that's what I'm telling myself anyway).  But it sure tugged on my heart strings as I drove to the office.

From beaming joy to guilt and sadness in exactly 20 minutes time.  Such is the roller coaster of life with a toddler!